O2 Rainwear 3Flow Performance rain pants

The O2 Rainwear 3Flow Performance rain pants by Rainshield are a good addition to the matching 3Flow Performance jacket. They have the same construction, based on a waterproof/breathable (WPB) microporous film bonded to a nylon shell. This is the same film that Rainshield uses in their basic cycling rain jacket and pants. The nylon shell is slightly less breathable than the polypropylene shell of the basic jacket, but much more resistant to cuts and abrasion. So you trade off a little less breathability for a lot more durability with these pants.

3Flow Performance fabrics are waterproof, windproof and breathable. The microporous film that is the heart of this fabric has billions of microscopic pores. These pores are small enough to stop wind and liquid water from entering the garment, but large enough to let water vapor escape. So clothing made with 3Flow keeps water and wind out while still letting sweat evaporate and escape.

The 3Flow Performance pants are excellent cycling attire. They are a cycling-specific cut with a slight bend at the knees. They are loose fitting, but gathered at the ankle with elastic. Zippers at the ankles allow the pants to open enough to get on and off easily over shoes. The waist features elastic and a drawstring. There are two pockets: a larger back pocket closed by a zipper, and a smaller front pocket closed by velcro. The back pocket will handle any wallet, while the front pocket is large enough for a set of keys and a couple credit cards. All major seams are sealed.

The 3Flow Performance jacket goes with these pants. If you prefer pants that are more basic, less expensive, yet actually even more breathable, look at the 02 Rainwear Basic rain pants.